Phlebotomy

DESCRIPTION

The Phlebotomy certificate includes coursework designed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to be eligible to take the ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board Certification Exam. This certificate also provides additional foundational general education coursework applicable and transferable to other degree programs.

A Phlebotomy Technician is an integral member of the allied healthcare team. Their primary function is the collection of blood samples. The Phlebotomy Technician facilitates the collection and transportation of laboratory specimens. A Phlebotomist is often the patient's only contact with the medical laboratory. The need to assure quality and patient safety mandates strict professional behavior and standards of practice for Phlebotomists.

A career in Plebotomy is very rewarding. It provides an opportunity to interact with a diverse group of patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Jobs for Phlebotomists are available at hospitals, medical offices, blood donor centers and a variety of other locations. Nationally the job outlook for Phlebotomists is very promising. Because Phlebotomy involves a fairly short training period, it is a great way for someone to enter the medical profession. As part of the healthcare team, Phlebotomists may pursue opportunities to continue their training and become a medical assistant, nurse or medical laboratory scientist.

PROGRAM MISSION

To prepare students for successful completion of the ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Exam and provide a general education foundation for transfer into other degree programs.

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of the Phlebotomy program, the graduate is expected to:

Be prepared and eligible to take the ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification Exam.

Have completed foundational general education coursework applicable and transferable to other degree programs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Clinical Rotations consist of up to fifteen eight hour days. Clinical assignments will be given to the students after the start of the class. Clinical rotations will be held on the days the students are not scheduled for class.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Attendance is mandatory at all classroom and clinical rotations as assigned. Appropriate hospital dress code must be followed while on clinical rotations. Students will be required to do a minimum of 100 successful venipunctures, 25 successful skin punctures, and participate in an orientation at a full service laboratory. In addition, students must:

Have a passing grade of "C" in MLT103 in order to participate in clinical rotations.

EXPOSURE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Applicants who consider a career in phlebotomy or any other of the allied health professions should be aware that during the course of their education and subsequent employment, they will be working in situations where exposure to infectious diseases is probable. This is an occupational risk for all health care workers. Persons should not become health care workers unless they recognize and accept this risk. Proper education and strict adherence to well-established infection control guidelines, however, can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in infection control procedures is an integral part of each health care program.